This case revolves around a defamation lawsuit filed by renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, against a popular social media commentator known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), whose real name is Martins Otse. The crux of the matter lies in VDM’s online commentary regarding a prior dispute between Chinwo and her former record label, EeZee Tee, owned by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu. VDM publicly accused Chinwo of financial impropriety, alleging she diverted funds from shows without compensating her former label and breached her contractual obligations before departing. Chinwo contends that these statements are not only false but also malicious and have significantly tarnished her reputation.
The lawsuit, filed by Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, emphasizes the damaging nature of VDM’s pronouncements. Olajengbesi argues that VDM, despite having no direct involvement in the Chinwo-EeZee Tee dispute, presented the matter in a biased and defamatory manner, effectively siding with the record label and portraying Chinwo negatively. The lawsuit highlights VDM’s substantial online following, asserting that his videos, viewed by millions, presented a “caricaturist and disdainful portrayal” of the singer, intentionally ridiculing her and amplifying the damage to her public image.
Central to Chinwo’s argument is the claim that VDM’s assertions are fabricated. She maintains that he was not privy to the details of her dealings with EeZee Tee and therefore lacked the factual basis to make such accusations. The lawsuit underscores the disconnect between VDM’s supposed knowledge of the situation and his public pronouncements, portraying his commentary as not only inaccurate but also deliberately misleading. This, Chinwo’s legal team argues, constitutes defamation and necessitates legal redress.
The relief sought by Chinwo’s lawyer is multifaceted and aims to comprehensively address the alleged defamation. The lawsuit demands the removal of the offending posts from all of VDM’s social media platforms, a public retraction of the defamatory statements, and an unreserved apology published in prominent national newspapers and across VDM’s online platforms. This combination of corrective measures seeks to undo the damage caused by the initial accusations and restore Chinwo’s public image.
Furthermore, the lawsuit seeks substantial financial compensation for the alleged harm inflicted on Chinwo’s reputation. A significant sum of N1 billion is sought as general damages for defamation, alongside N100 million for punitive and aggravated damages, and N25 million to cover the legal costs. The inclusion of punitive damages underscores the seriousness with which Chinwo’s legal team views VDM’s actions, suggesting a deliberate and malicious intent behind the alleged defamation. An additional demand for 10% interest per annum on the judgment sum until full payment further emphasizes the financial implications of the lawsuit.
The backdrop to this defamation lawsuit is a prior, publicly aired dispute between Chinwo and her former label head, EeZee Tee. Chinwo had previously accused Onyedikachukwu of exploitation, threats to her safety, and spreading false rumors concerning the paternity of her child. These allegations of threatening behavior, which allegedly forced Chinwo to relocate for her safety, provide a separate but related context to the current defamation case. While VDM’s commentary directly addressed the financial dispute aspect, the existing tension between Chinwo and her former label likely amplified the public interest in the situation and potentially contributed to the widespread dissemination of VDM’s allegedly defamatory statements.
